A MAJOR £1.2million scheme to raise a vital city centre road and reduce the risk of flooding has moved a step closer after council chiefs submitted a planning application.
The plans will see New Road raised between Cripplegate Park and Worcestershire County Cricket Club to reduce the likelihood of it being closed by floodwater in the future. A new drainage system will also be installed.
The scheme has been devised to keep the city moving after Worcester experienced four major floods in the last 18 years.
In the most recent incident in 2014, the River Severn reached a record level of 5.69 metres – five centimetres higher than the 2007 floods.
The heavy rain also rendered many of the city centre’s major roads impassable, dealing a devastating blow to many traders.
New Road is in the firing line because of its proximity to the River Severn and to the county cricket ground which is often flooded.
The scheme to keep New Road open for longer if flooding strikes is being funded mostly from Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, with some funding and works being completed by Worcestershire County Council.
A final decision on the planning application is due to be made by December. If the application is successful work on raising the road could begin in January next year and finish in late spring.
Coun Tony Miller, Cabinet member with responsibility for Environment, said: “We can never predict how much water there will be but with this scheme we can keep the road open for longer during flooding.
“It will alleviate some of the problems faced by people trying to get in and out of the City and by keeping people moving, without the need for the shuttle buses, we can ensure that Worcester stays open for business.”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of WLEP, said: “There works are essential for the City and its economy. By keeping the traffic flowing during times of flood, the impact on local business, and residents, should be kept to a minimum.
“This is another essential project funded by the local growth fund, by the Local Enterprise Partnership.”
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